Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Pique?

\Pique\, n. (Zo["o]l.) The jigger. See {Jigger}.
\Pique\, n. [F., fr. piquer. See {Pike}.] 1. A feeling of hurt, vexation, or resentment, awakened by a social slight or injury; irritation of the feelings, as through wounded pride; stinging vexation. Men take up piques and displeasures. --Dr. H. More. Wars had arisen . . . upon a personal pique. --De Quincey. 2. Keenly felt desire; a longing. Though it have the pique, and long, 'Tis still for something in the wrong. --Hudibras. 3. (Card Playing) In piquet, the right of the elder hand to count thirty in hand, or to play before the adversary counts one. Syn: Displeasure; irritation; grudge; spite. Usage: {Pique}, {Spite}, {Grudge}. Pique denotes a quick and often transient sense of resentment for some supposed neglect or injury, but it is not marked by malevolence. Spite is a stronger term, denoting settled ill will or malice, with a desire to injure, as the result of extreme irritation. Grudge goes still further, denoting cherished and secret enmity, with an unforgiving spirit. A pique is usually of recent date; a grudge is that which has long subsisted; spite implies a disposition to cross or vex others.
\Pique\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Piqued}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Piquing}.] [F. piquer. See {Pike}.] 1. To wound the pride of; to sting; to nettle; to irritate; to fret; to offend; to excite to anger. Pique her, and soothe in turn. --Byron. 2. To excite to action by causing resentment or jealousy; to stimulate; to prick; as, to pique ambition, or curiosity. --Prior. 3. To pride or value; -- used reflexively. Men . . . pique themselves upon their skill. --Locke. Syn: To offend; displease; irritate; provoke; fret; nettle; sting; goad; stimulate.
\Pique\, v. i. To cause annoyance or irritation. ``Every ?erse hath something in it that piques.'' --Tatler.